Arthritis-hit rabbit takes to hydrotherapy in UK

A rabbit suffering from arthritis has undergone sessions of hydrotherapy, a treatment more commonly given to dogs and horses.

Heidi, a four-year-old continental giant rabbit, from Dorset has had sessions in a heated pool while wearing a life -jacket.

Hydrotherapy pool owner Linda Prove said she was sceptical when a vet referred the rabbit, but the treatment was "working incredibly well".

Heidi's owner Amanda Williams, from Christchurch, told the BBC that her pet took to it like a "duck to water".

Heidi, who weighs about 7kg, had been diagnosed with arthritis in her hips and knees and spondylosis in her neck.
 

Prove, owner of the pool in Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire, said: "We've had lots of success with dogs - it's good for the joints as it gets them moving and means they don't stiffen up."

While rabbits can swim in the wild, Heidi wears a buoyancy jacket during the sessions and is carefully dried afterwards to prevent hypothermia.

Williams said: "None of us thought she would tolerate even one minute in water.

"She is certainly a lot more lively and is obviously benefiting from this treatment.